Amigurumi terminology

Author: Crochetly · Last updated: May 16, 2026

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed toys and figures. The word combines “ami” (meaning knitted or crocheted) and “nuigurumi” (meaning stuffed doll). This page covers the terms you will see in amigurumi patterns.

Basic stitch abbreviations

Chain, slip stitch, and single crochet are the core stitches. Increase (inc) adds stitches; invisible decrease (inv dec) reduces them neatly.

Term	Abbreviation	Meaning
Chain	ch	The foundation stitch used to start most crochet projects.
Slip Stitch	sl st	Used to join rounds or move the yarn to another part of the work.
Single Crochet	sc	The most commonly used stitch in amigurumi; creates a tight, dense fabric.
Increase	inc	Make two single crochets in the same stitch to add one stitch.
Invisible Decrease	inv dec	A neater, less noticeable decrease by working through the front loops only.
Decrease	dec	Combine two stitches into one to reduce stitch count.
Stitch	st	A general term for one loop or unit of crochet.

What pattern-specific instructions do you need to know?

The magic ring (MR) is essential for starting amigurumi in the round. You will also see “work in continuous rounds” (spiral stitching) and “stuff” for filling the piece.

Term	Abbreviation	Meaning
Magic Ring / Magic Circle	MR / mc	A method to begin crocheting in the round with an adjustable starting loop.
Round	rnd	A circular row of stitches, used instead of rows in flat work.
Work in Continuous Rounds		Stitching in a spiral without joining at the end of each round.
Join		To connect the end of a round to the beginning with a slip stitch (often not used in amigurumi).
Fasten Off		Secure the final stitch and cut the yarn.
Stuff		Fill the project with fiberfill or other stuffing material.
Finish Off		Weave in the end tail and close the final hole.

Additional techniques and tips

Back loop only (blo) and front loop only (flo) create texture. Right side (RS) is the outside; wrong side (WS) is hidden. Use a stitch marker to track round starts.

Term	Abbreviation	Meaning
Back Loop Only	blo	Work the stitch only in the back loop of the previous stitch.
Front Loop Only	flo	Work the stitch only in the front loop of the previous stitch.
Right Side	RS	The outside of the finished project (what will be visible).
Wrong Side	WS	The inside of the project, usually hidden.
Marker		A tool or piece of yarn used to mark the beginning of a round.